Is your dog competing at Westminster?

One of the most anticipated contests for dogs and dog lovers is coming up next month.

The Westminster Kennel Club 137th Annual Dog Show will welcome 3,200 dogs from across the country during the premier dog competition at New York City's Madison Square Garden Feb. 11 and 12.

Founded in 1877, Westminster is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Its show is the second-longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby. For details on attending, go to http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

However, if you can't go to New York there are several ways to see the show. New this year, the competition will stream live video of all of the breed judging on its website. In the past video of breed judging highlights had been posted on the website after the fact. The competition also will be aired live on television from 8 to 11 p.m. Feb. 11 on CNBC and 8 to 11 p.m. Feb. 12 on USA.

Two new breeds are eligible this year - the treeing walker coonhound and the Russell terrier - bringing to 187 the breeds and varieties at the show.

We're looking for dogs from the Lehigh Valley who are competing in this year's show for a preview. If your dog is competing in Westminster, send an email to kathy.lauer@mcall.com or call 610-778-2235.